“New tourism plan will put Worthing back on the map”

“A tourism plan to put Worthing back on the map” - that’s the pledge from Worthing Borough Council leaders as a bold new marketing campaign was unveiled.

Discover Worthing is a brand new website aimed at boosting visitor numbers and urging people to look again at what the town has to offer.

The aim is to build on the town’s already successful tourism industry, which attracts more than four million visitors a year and brings £138 million into the local economy.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said:

“I’m delighted to see the launch of this new website, which will help bring a new audience to our amazing town.

“With stunning countryside and wonderful open seafront, a great range of high quality restaurants, a thriving arts and culture scene plus a host of activities for families and young people, there’s never been a better time for people to Discover Worthing.”

Discover Worthing’s emphasis is on showing visitors, old and new, that the town is much more than a traditional UK beach resort.

An increase in the number of younger people living in the town means that independent businesses are thriving while Worthing is fast becoming a regional hub for the arts and culture.

A host of summer events are already planned by the council, including:

·         Summer of Circus Festival

·         StreetVelodrome cycle race in June

·         A seafront bike hire scheme

In addition to providing information on upcoming attractions and events, the new website includes blog posts from local people with ideas and inspiration for visitors to make the most of their stay.

For those keen to get outdoors, there’s also cycle and running routes created by residents who have first-hand experience of the best places locally.

Among the highlights listed are:

·         Rachael’s Cissbury Trail Run

·         Andy’s bike ride to the Shack and back

·         Foody Worthing - 11 of the best spots to eat and drink in town

Judy Fox, Visitor Experience and Marketing Officer at Worthing Borough Council, said:

“This new website is aimed at raising the profile of Worthing, by achieving new and repeat visitors, encouraging them to extend the stay and extending the season beyond the summer months.

“This website is aimed at younger audiences, at families and active older people. We have gone bright and bold using blog posts to inspire people as well as providing fun facts, suggested itineraries and possible routes which encourage visitors to get off the beaten track.”

The website has already received positive comments from the town’s business community.

Anthony Dickinson, manager of St Paul's community hub in Chapel Road, said:

“It’s so exciting to finally have a website that shows off all the great things that are going on in and around the town.

“It's really easy to navigate and by the look of it will be updated regularly, so any residents or visitors will be able to keep up with all the cool stuff that's being organised."

Anne Williams, director of Worthing Accommodation, the town’s only self catering apartment provider, said:

“We think Discover Worthing is a really exciting development for tourism. Bringing the website up to date reflects the diverse and exciting offer available to our tourists.

“Worthing has such a contemporary and unique offer and the website really starts to celebrate that.”

Photo: Eunice Bergan